Connecting through clowning

YOUNG and old came together for a day of clowning and creativity at the Connecting Generations Bangalow spring event last weekend.

Around 70 people attended the gathering, which aims to link young families with older members of the community through fun activities such as nature-based art and craft, music and dancing, at Bangalow Bowlo on Sunday.

Clown consultant Dr Sera Tonin taught children how to become jesters. They also made juggling balls with the help of their older friends, as well as masks and garlands.

Musician and educator Jules Wattus from MusicJewel Byron and Mish Songsmith entertained the littlies alongside US-born jazz musician John Hoffman, who has performed with The Glen Miller Orchestra, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.

Connecting Generations Bangalow co-founder Ruth Winton-Brown said the weather was perfect and there was a lovely feeling at the event.

“The young families really seemed to appreciate the older people’s initiatives, and the clown and musicians created a really great energy of joy,” she said. “At the end everyone got up dancing together – kids, parents, and grandparents.”

Mrs Winton-Brown was excited to see a family of four generations attend the event.

She said the organisation was looking for more older people who may miss having their grandchildren close by to get involved in facilitating activities at future events in 2025.

“One woman who was there whose grandmother had just died said she was looking for a new grandmother,” she said. “We really want to help create a deeper connection between the generations.”

To find out about future events, follow facebook.com/ConnectingGenerationsBangalow